Lucknow: Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday urged teachers and parents to shift the focus of education from marks to knowledge, saying students must be groomed as confident, capable individuals rather than high scorers. Addressing the ‘TIMES Teacher’s Day Celebration’, Pathak said the purpose of schooling should extend beyond examination results to personality development, stronger learning habits and greater self-belief.He said teachers play a central role in recognising each child’s strengths and helping students build the ability to learn independently, think clearly and face challenges with confidence. Education, he added, must prepare responsible citizens who contribute to society, not just students who perform well in tests.Pathak stressed the need for equal opportunities in classrooms so that every child feels valued and supported. Drawing a parallel with India’s traditional Gurukul system, he highlighted its inclusive character, where children from different economic backgrounds studied together. “In the Gurukuls, the rich and the poor studied together. That is what the education environment should be like in India, irrespective of class,” he said.He said quality education should remain accessible to all, and classrooms must nurture both academic growth and personal development.
